Penicillin V Potassium

Generic name: Penicillin V Potassium

What is Penicillin V Potassium?

Penicillin V Potassium is a penicillin antibiotic. It works by interfering with the formation of the bacteria's cell wall while it is growing. This weakens the cell wall and kills the bacteria. Penicillin V Potassium is used to treat infections, including dental infections, infections in the heart, middle ear infections, rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, skin infections, and respiratory tract infections.

Penicillin V Potassium works against only certain types of bacteria; it is not effective against fungi, viruses, and parasites.

What is the most important information I should know about Penicillin V Potassium?

If you are allergic to either Penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics in any form, consult your doctor before taking Penicillin V Potassium. There is a possibility that you are allergic to both types of medication; and if a reaction occurs, it could be extremely severe. If you take the drug and feel signs of a reaction, seek medical attention immediately.

Long-term or repeated use of Penicillin V Potassium may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.

If you are diabetic and taking large doses of penicillin, you may get a false-positive result for sugar in your urine. Check with your doctor before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Who should not take Penicillin V Potassium?

Do not take Penicillin V Potassium if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or to other penicillins.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Penicillin V Potassium?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Penicillin V Potassium. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have had asthma; colitis (inflammatory bowel disease); diabetes; kidney or liver disease; diarrhea or a stomach infection (especially in children 9 years of age or younger). Be sure to talk to your doctor about preventing pregnancy while you are taking Penicillin V Potassium. Hormonal birth control such as contraceptive pills may not work as well and you may have to use another form of birth control.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults and children 12 years and older: Continue taking Penicillin V Potassium for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. Failure to take a full course of therapy may prevent complete elimination of the infection. It is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times.

Typical dosages for various infections are as follows:

Mild Staph Infections of the Skin

The usual dosage is 250 milligrams (mg) to 500 mg every 6 to 8 hours.

Mild to Moderately Severe Gum Infections (Vincent's gingivitis)

The usual dosage is 250 mg to 500 mg every 6 to 8 hours.

Mild to Moderately Severe Pneumococcal Infections of the Respiratory Tract, Including Middle Ear Infections

The usual dosage is 250 mg to 500 mg taken every 6 hours until you have been without a fever for at least 2 days.

Mild to Moderately Severe Strep Infections of the Upper Respiratory Tract and Skin, and Scarlet Fever

The usual dosage is 125 to 250 mg taken every 6 to 8 hours for 10 days.

Prevention of Bacterial Endocarditis in People Undergoing Dental or Surgical Procedures

For oral therapy, the usual dose is 2 grams of Penicillin V Potassium (1 gram for children under 60 lbs) taken one-half to 1 hour before the procedure, then 1 gram 6 hours later.

Prevention of Recurring Rheumatic Fever and/or Chorea

The usual dosage is 125 mg to 250 mg taken 2 times a day on a continuing basis.

How should I take Penicillin V Potassium?

Penicillin V Potassium may be taken on a full or empty stomach, though it is better absorbed when the stomach is empty. Be sure to take it for the full time of treatment.

Doses of the oral solution of Penicillin V Potassium should be measured with a calibrated measuring spoon. Shake the solution well before using it.

What should I avoid while taking Penicillin V Potassium?

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Penicillin V Potassium?

If Penicillin V Potassium is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Penicillin V Potassium with the following: methotrexate, oral contraceptives, or tetracycline and other medicines in the same class (such as doxycycline, minocycline, and tigecycline).

What are the possible side effects of Penicillin V Potassium?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: anemia, black hairy tongue, diarrhea, fever, hives, nausea, skin eruptions, stomach upset or pain, swelling in throat, vomiting

Can I receive Penicillin V Potassium if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Penicillin V Potassium during pregnancy are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. Since Penicillin V Potassium appears in breast milk, you should consult with your doctor if you plan to breastfeed your baby. If Penicillin V Potassium is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Penicillin V Potassium?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should I store Penicillin V Potassium?

Store in a tightly closed container. The reconstituted oral solution must be refrigerated. Discard any unused solution after 14 days. Tablets and powder for oral solution may be stored at room temperature.